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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Some say Illinois can’t afford to cut its media service that transmits state news, even though it costs $3 million a year as the state is in financial turmoil.

Illinois Department of Central Management Services spokesman Richard Bossert told The State Journal-Register (https://bit.ly/2rnInMb ) the necessity of the Illinois Office of Communication and Information to communicate with the public doesn’t stop due to the lack of a state budget.

“As the sole graphic, video and audio production team for more than 70 state agencies and constitutional officers, our media services have been used to keep the public informed, like during disaster scenarios, for nearly 100 years,” Bossert said. “They remain an integral part of delivering state services as well as communicating with the public and media, including providing material for The State Journal-Register.”

Originally called Illinois Information Services, the office has been around for nearly a century and employs about 20 people. It assists state agencies and government entities in delivering information to the public and the media.

Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez, a Republican from Leland Grove, said the office’s role should be reviewed in light of the state’s financial woes, but noted its importance.

“They fall under CMS, and their department submits their budget, and it’s time to for the Legislature to act on a budget,” Jimenez said. “We haven’t had an opportunity to do that in the House this year, and all of those things would have to be reviewed.”

Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, said state government should be doing everything it can to be more cost-effective.

“I think everything should be put under the microscope, even this,” Manar said. “We’re in a fiscal crisis and everything should be (looked at) and be evaluated for its effectiveness.”